Over 60s new focus in farm safety

FARMERS over 60 are in the spotlight of Making our Farms Safer project.

A National Farm Safety Week pledge by the State Government to continue its support of the project came as the Victorian Farmers’ Federation announced a shift in focus to experienced farmers.

“Farmers aged over 60 years tragically account for more than 40 per cent of deaths on farms throughout the country,” said president Emma Germano.

“Last year, six people aged over 60 lost their lives on Victorian farms. That’s someone’s mother, father or friend that can never be replaced. We hope this project will help ensure loved ones come home at the end of the day.

than 20 years. Australian Fleece Competition Convenor and Nutrien wool account manager Candice Cordy said the performance classes showcased fleeces from wool growers who shear at six to eight-month intervals.

“Each fleece is fully tested to Australian Wool Testing Authority standards and also judged subjectively by a judging panel

“It’s the largest fully measured

How to report road issues by phone and online

The quickest way to report a road issue is directly to Council itself. This is so issues can be logged in the system and dealt with as soon as possible – ensuring your concern is documented and dealt with e ciently.

Council takes its responsibility to provide a road network seriously and appreciates the community’s feedback.

Council has designated sta who are responsible for taking these enquires and ensuring that they are seen to.

If you encounter an issue about one of Council’s roads, you can contact customer service on 5494 1200.

Issues can also be lodged via Council’s website at http://www.

loddon.vic.gov.au and clicking on fleece competition in the world and provides a benchmarking opportunity for exhibitors, and is a forum for woolgrowers and stud breeders to showcase their fleece to a wider national audience.”

“Report an issue”.

Council also operates an after-hours service for urgent road issues, this is also accessed through the (03) 5494 1200 phone number.

There are several roads in Loddon Shire that are the responsibility of VicRoads.

These include the highways and major routes. Issues on these roads can be reported to VicRoads on 13 11 70.

A list of VicRoads roads within Loddon Shire can be found on Council’s website at www.loddon. vic.gov.au/Our-Services/Footpathsroads-and-drains/Roads and opening the appropriate tab.

Meanwhile, Mr Humbert is hoping for the rise in wool markets before the traditional midyear break was a sign of better prices this year.

“Wool prices went up in the last couple of sales before the recess,” he said.

“Whether this is a signal of improvement after the break we don’t know.”

Australian Wool Innovation reported a buoyant sale room atmosphere last week with the most well sought-after commodity being Merino wools from 19 to 22 micron that were pushed up three per cent.

Notices to be mailed outPayment options for rates

During July, property owners will begin receiving their 2023/24 annual rates notice from Council.

You can elect to pay your rates in full as a lump sum (which is due to be paid by 15 February 2024).

You can also opt to pay your rates in quarterly instalments, which are due on or before 30 September 2023, 30 November 2023, 28 February 2024 and 31 May 2024.

To assist in working toward these due dates, payments can be made on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis using a formal payment arrangement.

If you’ve noticed that your contact details are incorrect, are unsure about your valuation or have any questions or would like to discuss payment of your rates, please contact Julie in Council’s Rates Department on 5494 1200.

If you anticipate that you might have an issue in paying your rates, please make sure to chat with Council.

For more information visit https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/ For-residents/Your-home/Yourproperty-valuation-and-rates

“With the help of a working committee consisting of older farmers and their adult children, the project will develop specific content and resources, such as a guidebook and monthly newsletters to help make Victorian farms safer.

“Farmers and our regional communities told us loud and clear how important this project was to them, and I welcome the government’s commitment to helping us keep farmers safe,” Ms Germano said.

Farm crime

Dr. Kyle Mulrooney and Dr. Alistair Harkness, the Centre for Rural Criminology Co-Directors at the University of New England, have launched the Australian Farm Crime Survey, the rst of its kind in nearly 20 years.

Farm crime has cast a long and troubling shadow across our rural landscapes. The toll it takes on farmers and rural property owners, both psychologically and nancially, is immense.

The October 2022 ood event saw Loddon Shire witness a surge in farm theft. Reported incidents involved batteries, solar panels, 10,000 litres of diesel fuel and substantial losses of livestock.

For more information or to participate in the survey please click here: https://bit. ly/farmcrimeune